Paeonia tenuifolia

This peony blooms earlier in the spring season than many other peonies, and usually it goes dormant earlier also. Its new spring leaves can have a reddish tinge, turning green in time. The leaves are narrow and the plant's height will be low at 12 to 18 inches. Flowers have a single row of red petals surrounding a buff of golden stamens It is long lived, growing wider with the years. Plant it in well drained ground in full sun for most of the day. In the Midwest, old plants of fernleaf peony can be found in old, abandoned cemeteries on the prairies, where it receives no care other than what Mother Nature provides. So once established it thrives easily with minimal care. Things that might cause it to struggle are crowding it too closely with taller neighboring plants, or planting where tree roots will compete with it. In addition to the roots, the tree's shade might reduce the flowering. It is winter hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 8, and to Zone 9 along the West Coast.